Months-long Charleston drug investigation leads to arrest and trafficking charges

Charleston, South Carolina – A months-long narcotics investigation by Charleston police has resulted in an arrest and a series of serious drug charges tied to alleged distribution activity in the city’s downtown area.

According to the Charleston Police Department, the investigation was led by the department’s Special Investigations Unit after detectives received information suggesting that a 27-year-old Charleston man, identified as Leon Horlbeck-Campbell, was involved in selling illegal drugs. Officers began gathering evidence and monitoring the suspected activity over several months as the case developed.

The investigation reached a critical point on January 21, 2026, when detectives executed a search warrant at a residence located within the MAA Westchase Apartments on Westchase Drive. During the search, investigators took Horlbeck-Campbell into custody and recovered multiple types of illegal substances, including cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana. Authorities also seized several thousand dollars in cash believed to be connected to drug distribution.

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Following the search and arrest, detectives filed multiple charges against Horlbeck-Campbell. The charges include five counts of trafficking cocaine, one count of trafficking cocaine base, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Police noted that Horlbeck-Campbell was already under supervision by South Carolina Probation, Parole and Pardon Services at the time of his arrest due to a prior drug-related offense.

Horlbeck-Campbell is currently being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center as the case moves forward through the court system.

Charleston police are continuing their investigation and encourage anyone with additional information related to the case or other drug activity to contact the on-duty Central Detective at 843-720-2422. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the city’s online tip portal.